Henry Alexander Ross, Jr.

Henry Alexander Ross, Jr. died peacefully Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Beacon Place, a hospice facility, in Greensboro, N.C. following a sudden and brief illness.

Henry was born in Morganton, N.C. on November 21, 1946, the son of the late Henry Alexander Ross, Sr. and Mary Whisnant Ross. His childhood years were spent at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and Parris Island, S.C. where his father served in the U.S. Marine Corps following service in the Pacific during World War II and where his mother taught elementary school. Following his parent’s retirement, Swansboro, N.C. became the family’s home. Henry graduated from Swansboro High School and East Carolina University where he earned Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees. While at ECU, he was inducted into the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. Henry later completed the Education For Ministry Program administered by the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee.

Henry began his career in Henderson, N.C. serving as Music Director at the First Methodist Church and, for the last 34 years, served as Music Director and Organist at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Innocents where he was a member. Henry shared his wondrous gift for music with his family, friends and community by treating them to incredible organ performances. Through the years he served as President and Secretary of the Henderson Community Concert Association, Music Director and Actor with the Henderson Rec Players, a local theatre group and President of the Henderson Rotary Club. Henry was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. Henry was blessed with a dry, quick wit which, when interjected into conversation, made his eyes twinkle. Henry also taught piano and organ lessons, worked at George Holden Accounting Firm and served in various capacities at the Henderson Country Club.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister and brother, James William Ross. Survivors include an uncle, Louis Rodney Whisnant and his wife, Miriam S. Whisnant, cousins, Jane Whisnant Workman (Richard) all of Cornelius, N.C., Helen Irene Ross of Greensboro, N.C., Adelaide Sulleiro of Madrid, Spain, Andy Corpening of Jonas Ridge, N.C., Ann Ross Andrews and John Frank Ross of Morganton, N.C.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Steve Dennis, John I. Mabe, Jr. and Father Don Lowery for their love, support and guidance during Henry’s illness.

A memorial service will be held 3:30 pm November 22, 2014 at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Innocents in Henderson, N.C. Memorials may be given to the Music Fund of the Church, 210 South Chestnut Street, Henderson, N.C. 27536.